TchNgo

I asked a question about this in the 135 section but got little response, so I will try here.

I was recently offered a job at a 135 outfit flying twin otters over the grand canyon. If I were to stay on long enough to upgrade, would this time (Turbine twin multi PIC) be counted as the PIC requirement at Netjets? I was recently told that most majors would not value the time very highly, and some not at all. Would this be the case at Netjets? Are there specific carriers that don't value that type of time? Sorry if this seems like a newb question, but it kind of surprised me. I thought turbine PIC was turbine PIC?

Floyd R Turbo

Frankly, Twin Otter time in the Canyon will not help you a great deal for our operation. It may qualify you for our bare minimums, but it will not likely get you to the interview. I would try to get on with a charter or regional flying jets and go from there. Best of luck!

TchNgo

Thanks, I am glad I am researching this prior to taking the first thing that I get. It's very tempting to leave instructing for this offer, but maybe I should hold out for a better opportunity that will help me more efficiently get to my end goal of either a legacy or quality fractional such as NetJets....

I was really surprised to hear how "worthless" this time is considered in the long run.

UCLAbruins

Turbine PIC is not the same, unfortunately. Jet is more valuable than turbo-prop.

Heavy Prop PIC (ATR, Dash 8 or C-130) is worth a few more points than King Air, Metro, or "Twin Otter" PIC.

Your PIC time on this twin Otter can be counted towards a Major or Frax, but you'll enter the race at a disadvantage.


just my opinion...

Floyd R Turbo

The type of flying is also very important. If you were flying the Twin Otter in Alaska on scheduled operations like Era Aviation does...In hard IFR, and mountainous terrain, this would likely be looked on more favorably than VFR only canyon flying.

TchNgo

So for a guy in my situation, (currenlty CFI with 775/30) would this be a good place to spend no more than a year at just having new experiences and building some 135 multi SIC time? Even though its not viewed as quality time by majors, wouldn't it be viewed a little better than all my time being in piston airplanes instructing?

Floyd R Turbo

If I were you, i'd skip the Canyon thing. If you have a degree/clean record/775 hours you should be a shoe-in for any regional right now. Be patient, apply to them all, and see who bites. My understanding is they are hiring with wet commercial pilot licenses into these jets.( YIKES!) Take advantage of that, it won't last forever. Get some PIC jet time. That type of experience is much more valuable for our type of flying.

If Netjets is your goal there is a MAJOR emphasis on customer service experience for those getting right now. Keep that in mind.

TchNgo

Thanks for the help. The more I research airlines, the more I think that NetJets (or a similiar company) would definitley be something to strive for in my career.

By the way, I already have a bachelors done, so I think you are right. I may just be selling myself a little short with the canyon thing.

Cooperd0g

NetJets is also my goal, but my situation is slightly different. I also have a 4 year degree, but I have 1700 hours all military jet (F/A-18 mostly, plus trainers and a few others), virtually all PIC (I am not including time pre-wings as PIC even if solo). One of the other guys on this forum suggested I just get a time building job to reach the 2500 hours to apply. How would a canyon flying job like this look for me? Good enough to get me the hours since I'm not that far away anyway? Or should I too look to the regionals for the time being?

TimSmith

For your situation, the canyon job is just fine. It involves the "customer service" angle and you already have the "quality" time. If you enjoy this type of job more than the regionals, go for it. You're main concern is getting the total time in the logbook up to mins. Good luck either way you choose!